Page 16 of Oblivious

Sophie looks a little perplexed. “I don’t understand you two.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “Nothing.”

I frown as my brothers snigger.

“Enjoy your date,” Sophie says to Addy.

“Thanks.”

“Are you taking her somewhere nice?”

“I thought she could come to mine for a meal.”

“Let me guess. Fitz is cooking?” Joe asks.

“Uh, yes.” Addy blushes. “He offered.”

“Anyone else want a romantic Valentine’s meal?” I ask. “I’ll give you all mates’ rates.”

“You’d make us pay?” Blair asks.

“Oysters are expensive.”

“No oysters,” Addy says, looking slightly nauseous.

“You don’t want oysters, but they might.”

“I’ve already booked a restaurant,” Stephen says.

“You have?” Sophie asks. “Aww, thank you.”

“But have you bought her a present?” Joe asks.

“Of course I have.” From the flustered expression on Stephen’s face, I’m not sure he has.

“Have you boughtmea present?” Max asks, staring pointedly at Joe.

“Yes.” His cheeks go red, so I’m guessing he hasn’t sorted a gift out either.

Being single is much simpler.

“What are we doing?” Ana asks Blair.

“Oh, umm.” Blair looks at me. “How much for a three-course meal?”

Ana glares at him, but everyone else laughs.

“Youcould cook,” she suggests.

“Trust me, you’d rather have Fitz cook.”

“I can come to cook,” I say. “I’ll get Addy’s meal sorted first and then come round to yours. Or vice versa, depending on when you want to eat. Or I could make it in advance and give you reheating instructions.” I tap the edge of the card I’m considering playing on the table. “You can sort out all the extras, though.”

“Extras?” Blair asks.

“You know, candles, roses, all that romantic stuff.” I look at my hand again and realise there’s no way I can win, even at this early stage in the game. “You know what? I fold.” I toss my cards face down onto the table.